ROYALTON — The White River Unified District Board has hired a new principal for the White River Valley High School in Royalton, according to a Tuesday news release.
Jeffrey Thomas, currently a Hartford High physical education teacher and coach, previously spent many years teaching and coaching at South Royalton School. Thomas’ role in Hartford’s Independent Learning Center, which blends traditional curriculum with students’ individual skills and interests, made him “a natural leader” for WRVHS, according to the release. The school has an enrollment of about 190.
Thomas will replace outgoing principal Reed McCracken, who in November announced he would leave at the end of the school year. McCracken was the school’s first principal and has led it through its first four years educating Royalton and Bethel students together. Previously, Bethel and Royalton students attended K-12 schools in their own towns.
Thomas is scheduled to begin work on July 1. This spring, he plans to conduct a listening tour to hear from community members.